Early Origins of the Howmant family

The surname Howmant was first found in Huntingdonshire, where they held a family seat from very early times.

Early History of the Howmant family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Howmant research.Another 134 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1273, 1653, 1664, 1724 and 1777 are included under the topic Early Howmant History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Howmant Spelling Variations

Until the dictionary, an invention of only the last few hundred years, the English language lacked any comprehensive system of spelling rules. Consequently, spelling variations in names are frequently found in early Anglo-Saxon and later Anglo-Norman documents. One person's name was often spelled several different ways over a lifetime. The recorded variations of Howmant include Homan, Homans, Howman, Hoeman, Hownam and others.

Early Notables of the Howmant family (pre 1700)

Another 32 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Howmant Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howmant family to Ireland

Some of the Howmant family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.Another 106 words (8 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Howmant family to the New World and Oceana

Thousands of English families boarded ships sailing to the New World in the hope of escaping the unrest found in England at this time. Although the search for opportunity and freedom from persecution abroad took the lives of many because of the cramped conditions and unsanitary nature of the vessels, the opportunity perceived in the growing colonies of North America beckoned. Many of the settlers who survived the journey went on to make important contributions to the transplanted cultures of their adopted countries. The Howmant were among these contributors, for they have been located in early North American records: William Hoeman, who sailed to Massachusetts with his family in 1635. Among the other family members who followed this first settler were: John Howman, who sailed to Virginia in 1637.

The Howmant Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.